CMA Nominees Announced: Stars React

George Strait and Brad Paisley lead the nominees for this year’s CMA Awards with five nominations each.

Here’s how some of the stars reacted to their nominations.

Brad responded to his multiple nods in typical low-key fashion, saying, “I’m humbled by this fantastic news.” In contrast, teen star Taylor Swift, who’s up for the Horizon Award, could barely conceal her excitement. “It’s a really, really awesome feeling!” said Taylor, whose self-titled debut album spent six weeks at No. 1. “I get really excited about stuff, but I would have been fine if I had not been nominated. If I do get nominated, if I get awards, I’m going to freak out because I’m never gonna get used to having success. Because then you just become jaded, and I don’t ever want to get that way.”

Troy Gentry of Montgomery Gentry noted that he likes the duo’s chances of winning the Vocal Duo of the Year award. “We’re keeping our fingers crossed,” says Troy. “We’re coming off a good run with ‘Lucky Man’ being No. 1 on the charts for two weeks, and our new single, ‘What Do Ya Think About That,’ has a lot of momentum behind it.”

Brad Mates of Emerson Drive, nominated for Vocal Group of the Year, says that the nod “puts this band in another category. We’re up against some pretty stiff competition, but just to see our name on there is great.”

“I can honestly say I found out who my friends are this year,” raved Tracy Lawrence, up for Musical Event of the Year for the single, “Find Out Who Your Friends Are,” which featured Tim McGraw and Kenny Chesney. “I assembled a very strong team around me and I feel very proud of our accomplishment.”